Former youth football coach charged in 2025 with felony sex crimes; allegations span multiple years

A former Placer-area youth football coach has been charged with multiple felony sex offenses involving a minor, according to Placer County Superior Court records and the Placer County Sheriff's Office. Marco Charles Yokum, 47, was arrested Dec. 18, 2025, after being taken into custody by the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office on a warrant issued out of Placer County. He was later transferred to the South Placer Jail, where he remains in custody without bail. Court records show the criminal complaint was filed on Nov. 18, 2025, marking the first time charges have been formally brought in the case. The charges allege conduct prosecutors say occurred over multiple years, with counts listing dates in 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2023. Yokum faces multiple felony counts, including aggravated sexual assault of a child under California Penal Code section 269(a)(1) and lewd or lascivious acts involving a child under the age of 14 under Penal Code section 288(a). Court records also reference special allegations under California's Three Strikes law, though details were not listed in the publicly available docket. Placer County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Elise Soviar said investigators have not found evidence of additional victims at this time but emphasized the investigation remains open. She said there has been no indication the alleged offenses occurred in connection with organized youth sports or coaching activities. "If there are additional victims, we urge them to bravely come forward," Soviar said. Yokum previously served as a coach with the Placer Jr. Hillmen youth football program beginning in 2021. In a statement posted on Facebook, Placer Jr. Hillmen said it is aware of the allegations involving a former coach and emphasized the organization conducts background checks through the California Department of Justice for all coaches and board members. "At the time he coached, this individual successfully cleared the DOJ background check," the statement said. Placer Jr. Hillmen also said Yokum has not coached with the program since October 2024 and encouraged parents with questions or concerns to contact the current board directly. Yokum pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Dec. 22, 2025. He is scheduled to appear for an early status conference on March 9 at Placer County Superior Court in Roseville.